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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Bladder Cancer
      Category : Health Centers > Cancers and Tumors

Bladder Cancer

Alternate Names : Cancer of the Bladder

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

Bladder cancer is a form of cancer affecting the internal lining of the bladder. Bladder cancer can be superficial or invasive.

What is going on in the body?

Cancer occurs when a cell undergoes changes that cause it to grow and multiply uncontrollably. Eventually a tumor will form. More than one tumor in the bladder may develop at the same time. If not treated, a tumor will grow through the bladder wall. It may then spread to structures around the bladder. Cells from the tumor can also enter the bloodstream and spread to distant parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

Use of tobacco products, smoking in particular, may lead to bladder cancer. The cancer-causing chemicals are absorbed in the lungs and then excreted into the urine. The lining of the bladder is exposed to concentrated amounts of these poisons for long periods. Other chemicals, such as aniline dyes, are known to cause similar damage.

The following occupations are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer:

  • bootblacks
  • chemical or petroleum workers
  • drill press operators
  • dye workers
  • hairdressers
  • leather workers
  • painters
  • textile workers
  • tire and rubber workers
  • truck drivers
  • Other known risk factors for bladder cancer include the following:

  • alcohol abuse
  • certain types of chronic bladder infections
  • family history of bladder cancer
  • Suspected risk factors include:

  • artificial sweeteners
  • caffeine
  • frequent urinary tract infections
  • high dietary cholesterol
  • highly chlorinated drinking water
  • pain medicines containing phenacetin
  • water contaminated with pesticides

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    Next section

       

    Bladder Cancer: Symptoms & Signs

    Author: Miriam P. Rogers, EdD, RN, AOCN, CNS
    Reviewer: Adam Brochert, MD
    Date Reviewed: 08/02/01



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